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June 4, 1963 Filed Oct. 5, 1959 F. J. M. HEBRAS 3,091,772

WAISTBAND 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 FEEDER/C JEAN MAECEL HEBRAS &

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June 4, 1963 F. J. M. HEBRAS 3,091,772

WAISTBAND Filed Oct. 5, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 32 Win53 FEEDER/C JEAN MARCEL HEBRAS June 4, 1963 HEBRAs 3,091,772

WAISTBAND Filed Oct 5 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 June 4, 1963 F. J. M. HEBRAS 3,091,772

WAISTBAND Filed Oct. 5, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 June 4, 1963 F. J. M. HEBRAS 3,091,772

WAISTBAND Filed Oct. 5, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Li" 5s. 7 7

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June 4, 1963 Filed Oct. 5, 1959 F. J. M. HEBRAS WAISTBAND 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 (hawk FEEDER/C JEAN MAE'CEL HEBRAS M Ws 9m own-w,

June 4, 1963 F. J. M. HEBRAS 3,091,772

WAISTBAND Filed Oct. 5, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 has FEEDER/C JEAN MARCEL HEBRAS M "WM s.

United States Patent 3,091,772 WAISTBANI) Frederic Jean Marcel Hebras, 2 Ave. Desaix, Maison-Lafitte, France Filed Oct. 5, 1959, Ser. No. 844,285 Claims priority, application France July 31, 1958 11 Claims. (Cl. 22-221) The present invention relates to waisthands which are conventionally secured to the upper part of a skirt or of a pair of trousers and is a continuation in part of my application Serial No. 826,815 filed on July 13, 1959 now abandoned.

It is an object of this invention to provide a waistband which will be elastically [retained on the waist of the wearer in a comfortable manner.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a waistband which will be elastically retained around the waist of the wearer while still retaining the appearance of the garments as fitting to the body of the wearer.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a waistband for a skirt or for trousers tfor elastically holding the garment without changing the normal appearance of the garment.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a waistband containing within its tubular formation elastic strips adapted to retain the garment around the waist of the wearer.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide an elastically expandable waistband for a garment which will cause no unsightly folds on the garment.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a waistband which is adjustable in its initial position and will elastically follow the changes in the circumference of the waist of a pregnant wearer.

With these objects in view the present invention provides in a garment, in combination, a waistband having overlapping end portions slideably in relation to each other and secured to a garment and elastic means secured to the waistband and tending to slide the overlapping end portions in relation to each other so as to increase the overlap.

Preferably the elastic means comprise two elastic band elements secured to one of the overlapping end portions respectively and located inside of the waistband.

According to another feature of the present invention the waistband is constructed so as to be adjustable in its length.

According to another feature of the present invention the waistband is secured to the upper edges of a skirt, while according to a further feature of the present invention the skirt is of the open overlapping type.

According to a further feature of the present invention the waistband is secured to the upper edges of a pair of trousers and two overlapping portions in the region of the side pockets are provided in the pair of trousers.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an open skirt looking at the inside of the waistband;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the skirt of FIG. 1 with the waistband closed;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a detail of the device of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the present invention with the waistband closed;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational fragmentary view of the inside of the waistband shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view along a line X-Y of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a modification of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of a modified embodiment of a waistband for a skirt with the waistband open;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view or the skirt shown in FIG. 9 with a waistband in its closed position;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary detailed view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, along lines XY;

FIG. 13 is the diagrammatic view of a device of the present invention applied to a pair of trousers;

FIG. -14 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the right hand part of a pair of trousers, as illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a sectional diagrammatic plan view of FIG. 14 along line III-III of FIG. 14, in which the thicknesses and distances have been deliberately exaggerated for claritys sake;

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of FIG. 14 but seen from the outside of the trousers;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary front elevational view from the inside of a pair of trousers of a modified embodiment of the device of the present invention applied to a pair of trousers;

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a detail contained in the construction of FIGS. 1318;

FIG. 20 is a sectional plan view of FIG. I19 along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 21;

FIG. 2-1 is a front elevational view of a further embodiment; and

FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 21.

A waistband, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 is applied to a skirt of the open overlapping type hereinafter termed a crossed skirt, while the waistband illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8 is applied to the type of skirts which have a front closure flap and are hereinafter termed a kangaroo skirt.

Both types of skirts are particularly useful as maternity garments to be worn during pregnancy, since they allow a high degree of waistline expansion without having any externally mounted elastic means so that the means for the waistline expansion are hidden from outside View.

This pleasing apparance is more pronounced since the waistband is not made of elastic material but can be made of the material which is used on the other parts of the skirt.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3 a crossed skirt illustrated therein comprises two sections 1 and 2 of a flexible sheet such as fabric secured together by a seam along line 3' with overlap parts 7 inserted at the upper end of the skirt.

Sections 1 and 2 have an upper edge portion onto which waistband is secured. When the outer lateral edges of the sections 1 and 2 are wrapped around the body of the wearer and the lateral edges are secured in overlapping relationship, a skirt is formed. This type of skirt is referred to as a crossed skirt as is explained above.

The waistband 4 has two portions 5 and 6 which overlap in the region of the overlap parts 7.

The end portions of the waistband and the respective overlapping parts 7 are slidable in relation to each other so as to increase or decrease the overlap, respectively. The portion 5 of the waistband is formed at its outer end with a tapered tip 8. A fastening means 9 is mounted on the inner surface of waistband portion 5. This fastening means is in the form of a clip having spring pivoted arms provided with claws so as to retain the waistband portion 6 of the section 2 when the skirt is Wound around the body of the wearer as shown in FlG. 2. The fastening means will overlay in closed position the upper edge of waistband portion 6 and will be folded over the inner face thereof.

It will be noted that one arm of the fastening means 9 is permanently fixed to waistband portion 5, while the other arm is provided with claws or teeth to detachably secure waistband portion 6 to portion when the arms of the fastening means 9 are brought together as illustrated in FIG. 2.

Elastic means in the form of an elastic band 10 has one end thereof secured to waistband portion 5 adjacent to the fastening means 9 while the other end of the elastic band, which extends to the adjacent edge of the overlap part 7 is secured to one end of the waistband portion 6. Waistband portion 5 is partially tubular and the elastic band 10 passes through an opening 11 of the tubular portion 5 so that it is secured to the inside of the tubular portion 5.

A series of eyelets 12 are formed in the waistband portion 6 in such a manner so that they are not visible from the outside of the skirt. A sliding means or rigid guide member in the form of a clasp 13 is fixed to the inner end of portion 5.

As can be seen from an enlarged view of FIG. 4, the

clasp comprises two legs arranged in the form of an inverted U. One leg is formed with a hook or extension 20 at its free end. Portion 6 of the waistband is arranged to slide between the legs of the clasp 13 within book 20 and is prevented by the hook 20 from moving out of the clasp 13 in transversal direction.

One leg of clasp 13 is secured to portion 5 of the waistband while the other leg is formed with an aperture for securing therethrough one end of elastic band 14 forming a part of the elastic means.

The other end of the elastic band 14 carries a book 15 which is adapted to engage one of the eyelets 12. A strip 16 made out of foam rubber, serrated rubber sheet, or a similar material is attached to the inner face of portion 6 of the waistband adjacent to the outer lateral edge of section 2 of the skirt in order to provide a non-slipping surface. A further elastic band 17 is secured to the outer end of the waistband portion 6 at one end, and has a hook 18 secured to its other end. Hook 1% is arranged to engage one of the eyelets 12 as shown in FIG. 2.

The crossed skirt shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 is wound about the wearers body with the outer edges of the skirt sections 1 and 2 overlapping and secured to each other by the fastening means 9 engaging a selected part of the nonslipping strip 16 so that the length of the waistband is adjusted to the wearers waist.

The hook 18 of elastic band 17 is then hooked into a selected eyelet or hole 12 to provide a suitable tension of waistband portion 6, while hook 15 of elastic band 14 engages another selected hole 12 so as to impart tension to the waistband portion 5 which now partly surrounds waistband portion 6.

The Waistband is thus suitably adjusted to a selected 'length while remaining free to expand and contract elastically around the wearers waistline and allow a great degree of freedom of movement. The expansion and contraction of the Waistband will be followed by a corresponding decrease and increase of overlap of the overlap parts 7.

This adjustment of the fold is assured because the portion 6 adjacent the inner overlap part 7 is drawn to the left by the elastic band 19 while the end section 5 adjacent to the outer overlap part 7 is drawn to the right by the elastic band 14 acting on clasp 13. Furthermore the end portion of the inner waistband portion 6 adjacent to the clip 9 is pulled to the right by the elastic band 17.

It will be noted that slidable fastening means 9, holding the ends of the sections 1 and 2 together, preferably in the form of the clasp 9 acting on the non-slipping surface of strip 16 does not participate in the elastic expanion and contraction of the waistband and the overlap parts 7 of the skirt but serves only as a means for fastening the ends of the skirt together in an adjustable manner. In this way, there is no danger of the skirt forming a gap in the region of the fastening means 9 where sections 1 and 2 overlap. On the contrary any elastic expansion or contraction of the waistband will result in an expansion or contraction of the overlap parts 7 so that the area thereof is either increased or decreased compensating for the elastic expansion and contraction of the waistline in this region only. In other words, the adjustable fastening function of clasp 9 and the elastic compensatingfunotion of the waistband are completely separated in the skirt made according to the present invention.

Portions 5 and 6 of the waistband are held in aligned juxtaposed relationship by the clasp 13 wherein the portion 6 is freely slidable while prevented from moving therefrom transversely by the hook 20 thereof.

The waistband itself can be made from various materials such as reinforced petersham, leather, suitable plastic, or similar materials. The fastening elements including hooks, eyelets, and the like, may likewise be made from a number of materials and in various shapes that may difier from those shown in the drawings, since the invention does not reside in a particular construction of the details.

A kangaroo type skirt is shown in FIGS. 5 to 8. The front closure flap A of the skirt is bordered at its upper end by a portion 5 of the waistband, while a portion 6' of the waistband borders the remaining part of the skirt. Portion 5 of the waistband partly surrounds waistband portion 6' and is located at the outside thereof. Portion A is a vertically foldable flap which can be tunred down by releasing it tfrom the waistband. Portion A is, however, firmly secured at its lower part (not shown) to the other part of the skirt. Separate means, such as a knotted band, (not shown) may be provided to hold the ends of portion 6 together. In this embodiment two rigid sliding olasps 13 are provided which are drawn in opposite directions by elastic means. One single elastic means in the form of band 21 is provided. Band 21 is secured to portion 6' of the waistband intermediate of the end, preferably at its center portion 22 by sewing as shown in FIG. 5. Elastic band 21 is retained in aligned position in respect to the waistband by a number of loops 23 fastened to the waistband. Loops 23 are spaced at suitable intervals along the waistband portion 6'. Each end of the elastic band 21 is provided with hooks 24 which are detachably secured to the rigid clamps 13 by inserting the hooks in the apertures of the respective clasp. As can be clearly seen from FIG. 5, the flout closure flap A of the skirt is tensioned and tight.

The inner ends of the rear waistband portions 6' are elastically connected to each other by a further elastic band 25. One end of elastic band 25 has a hook 29 formed thereon, which is detachably secured to a ring 28 fastened to one end of waistband portion 6'. The other end of elastic band 25 is looped through ring 27 and carries a buckle 16 so that the effective length of the elastic band 25 can be selectively adjusted.

The hooks 24 secured to the end of the elastic band 21 are preferably wider at their bases than the opening of the loops 23 so that the hooks cannot pass through the loop. In this manner books 24 can only be retracted by the tension of band 23 a selected distance when taken out of class 13 and can easily be grasped by the hand of the wearer since they are retained by the loop nearest to the respective clasp 13.

Two modified rigid clasps 13 for a waistband as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, are illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 The clasp 13 is in each case made out of a thin metallic plate and sewn to the inner face of the outer end of the waistband portion 5. Each clasp 13 has an inner leg portion 29 overlapping the corresponding upper end of the waistband portion 6'. The lower end of leg portion 29 has an upwardly bent part 33 to provide a guide slot or passage 30. A strip or slide member 31 of relatively stifi material such as leather, plastic or smoothly woven petersham, is sewn at its upper edge to the upper end of the waistband portion 6', as shown at 32. A freely depending lower edge portion of strip 31 is thus formed, which is retained by the upwardly bent portion 33 of clasp 13 as can be clearly seen in FIG. 7. arrangement effectively prevents the waistband portion 5 from working up over portion 6 when the skirt has been closed. Clasp 13 in this manner forms an efiective guide in cooperation with the free edge portion of the strip 31 as it slides along during relative displacement between the waistband portions 5' and 6'.

The invention is not limited to the particular details of "Use fittings and components described above.

Instead of the semi-stilt band or strap 3-1, threads or cords of nylon or the like material may engage the slots 30 of the clasps 13-.

The clasps 13 in turn can be constructed in a variety of forms. As shown in FIG. 8 each clasp 1.3 may carry at the free end of its leg 29 a flange or T-shaped extension 34 sliding in a slot 35 formed in the side of thewaistband portion 6 wmch in this construction is made with a tubular upper portion.

The base portion of the clasp 13 is preferably slightly cambered to conform to the curvature of the waistline so as to give an attachment to the Waistband which is more comfortable to the wearer. In this manner the endsot the waistband portion 5' are firmly held against the waistband portion Elastic strip 25 may be made ad ustable in its effective length in any suitable manner.

As shown in FIG. 6, the ends of the semi-stiff strip 31 are formed with a rounded end part 36 in order to facilitate endwise engagement of the clasp 13 over the ends of the strip 31 when the skirt has been put on by the wearer.

Elastic bands 21 and 25, strips 31 and clasps 13 may be detachably secured to the respective parts of the device so as to permit ready removal for cleaning purposes.

The clasp 13 may be made in two separate parts. The two legs can then be readily separated in order to avoid damage to the clasp during washing and ironing.

Furthermore the clasp 13 may be secured to the outer rather than the inner face of the ends of the waistband portion 5'. One leg portion would then be visible from the outside and may be formed in a suitable decorated shape to serve also as an ornament. l

A modified embodiment of the present invention as applied to a crossed skirt is illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 12. The length of the waistband can be adjusted by a clip 9 provided with claws cooperating with the non-slip band 16 in a manner explained in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2.

Rigid clasp 13 is drawn rearwardly by one end of the elastic band 14, while the other end of band 14, provided with the hook 15, engages a selected eyelet 12 of the outer waistband portion 5' to tension it. One end of the elastic band is secured to the waistband portion 6 adjacent to one edge of the overlap part 7, while its other end carries a hook 37 adapted to project over the upper edge of portion 6' and to engage one of the series of eyelets 38 provided in the inner face of the other end of the waistband portion 6'. In this manner elastic band 10 is adjustable in its effective length.

A ring 39 is fastened to the end of the Waistband portion 6' on which these eyelets are provided and the clastic band it) slides through ring 39 in order to support the end of portion 6 and the end of the skirt section 2. In

this manner sections 1 and 2 of the crossed skirt and with them the overlap parts 7 are drawn elastically in opposite directions by the elastic means comprising the inner bands 19 and 14, each of which is adjustable in its effective length by means of hooks engaging the two sets of spaced eyelets 33 and 12. In this embodiment the elastic band 17 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is omitted.

Means may be provided for guiding the overlapping parts 7 in this folding and unfolding action. A slide 31 cooperating with clasp 13 is mounted on Waistband portion a in the region of overlap part 7. The clasp 13 may be of a construction as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. This arrangement will also prevent the waistband portion 5' from moving away from waistband portion 6 in the region of the overlap parts 7. The clasp 13 is guided by the free edge of the slide 31 while sliding along it during relative movement between the waistband portion 5' and waistband portion 6' to elastically accommodate variation of the length of the waistline. Slide 31 is shown fastened along its full length to waistband portion 6. If slide 31 is made stiil enough it would require however, only fastening at both ends.

One embodiment of the present invention as applied to a pair of trousers is illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 16. Since the right hand part and the left hand part are of identical construction, as can be seen from FIG. 13, FIGS. 1 4, 15 and 16 show only the right hand side of the trousers.

The Waistband comprises two main parts A and B. Part A is divided into sections 161 and 102 which are secured to a conventional fly. The outer end portions 1113, 1614 of the front part A of the waistband overlap the end portions 105 and 1416 of the rear part B in the region of tie conventionally situated side pockets of the trousers. These side pockets are therefore open to an extent varying with the elastic expansion and contraction of the Waistband, without however, giving the outside appearance of a specially constructed fold to compensate for the expansion and contraction of the waistband.

The elastic means providing for the elastic expansion and contraction of the waistband comprise inner elastic band elements 1d? and 1108 pulling the ends 165 and 106 of the part B of the waistband and inner elastic band elements 1&9 and 11d pulling the ends 1623 and 1% of the rear part A of the waistband rearwards as shown in FIG. 13. One end of the elastic band elements 109 and 110 is fixed to the inner face of part B of the waistband, and the other end of said elements at the respective external ends 163 and 164 by rigid bridge elements 111 and 1 12, comparable with the clasps 13 0f FIGS. 112.

The sliding overlap of the pocket portions of the trousers obtained by the elastic expansion and contraction or the waistband is shownin greater detail in FIGS. 14, 15 and 16.

The external end 163 of part A overlaps the internal end 1% of part B of the waistband. The internal end 165 is directly pulled by the elastic band 1117 and the external end 11% is pulled by the elastic band 109, through bridge 111. One end of the elastic bond 1%? is sewn to the end of the waistband at 1657a. One end of the elastic band 109 terminates in a hook 113 engaging one of the series of eyelets 11 1 in the strip 115 secured to the internal face of parts B of the waistband.

The other end of elastic band 107 carries hook 213 engaging one of a series of eyelets 214 in the strip 215 secured :to the internal face of part A of the waistband located :at the other side of pocket d212,.

In this manner the waistband is adjustable to different gir-ths. This double adjustment permits the use of the waistband for a great variation in the girth of use s and also makes possible a balancing action of the two elastic band elements 107 and 1109 which act in opposite directions.

As said, the elastic band 109 exerts its pull on the end 1113 of part A of the waistband through a rigid bridge element shown enlarged in FIGS. 19 and 20. The bridge 7 element 111 is substantially a bent wire'having two legs. Leg 11=1a is held in the end 103 of the waistband, its middle portion rides over the end 105 of part B, and its other leg 111112 is held in the elastic band 109. Further details of the construction of the bridge elements will be described in connection with FIGS. 17 and 18.

Part 105 of the waistband extends over a part of the width of the pocket 122 onto which it is sewn. Part of the width of the cloth representing the pocket is folded :over or gathered as indicated at 123 before being sewn to the elastic strip 107. Such an attachment can, for example, be obtained by zig-zag stitching. The rear part of the pocket is in this manner connected to the part B of the waistband and the front part is connected to the part A of the waistband through the elastic band 197.

When the circumference of the waist of the wearer increases, which may occur when the wearer sits down or during physical exercise, the overlap of the ends 103 and 105 will be reduced stretching the elastic means, that is the elastic bands 107 and 1109 on one side and bands 108 and 110 on the other side of the waistband.- The elastic means will, however, maintain at all times a direct and comfortable attachment of the trousers to the body of the wearer. The folds 123 of the pocket will be at their maximum overlap when the waistband is at its minimum length as illustrated in FIG. 14. The gathered material spreads out and is flattened when the waist measurement increases and the waistband is elastically expanded.

The maximum overlap, that is the minimum width of the waistband, is illustrated in solid lines on FIG. 16. The maximum expansion of the waistband, that is the minimum overlap is indicated in this figure by dotted lines. As can be seen by this illustration the only difference in appearance of the pair of trousers at the waistband will consist in a change of the opening of the edge portion 124 of the pocket, assuming that all movement occurs in the front part A of the waistband. It can also be seen that the bridge element \1'1'1 is practically invisible.

By changing the engagement of the hooks 113), 213 of elastic bands 107 and 109 in different eyelets 114, 214, respectively, a pair of trousers can be adapted to different waist measurements without in any way reducing the action of the elastic means of the present invention. The outward appearance of well [proportioned and fitting trousers is still maintained.

The elastic adjusting arrangement described remains separate from the opening and closing of the trousers at the fly which is shown in the preferred embodiments as provided with buttons 125 and with buttonholes 126.

Since an extension of the waistband may uncover a larger part of the internal trim of the pocket, all that is necessary is to increase width of said trim.

A modification of the embodiment of the present invention as applied to a pair of trousers is illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 20. The internal panel of the pocket is formed in its center with a V-shaped slit at its upper edge. Leg 140 of the slit and all the parts of panel lying to the right of the leg 240 are fixed to the part B of the waistband by stitching as shown at 141. Leg 142 of the slit and of all the parts of the panel lying to the left of leg 142 are fixed to part A of the waistband by stitching as shown at 143.

The slit will be opened or closed by movement of the legs 140 and 1142 in relation to each other following the movement in relation to each other of the overlapping ends or sections 103 and 105 of the waistband, without fold or complicated and expensive elastic stitching. In this way the construction of the trousers and the waistband is simplified and the waistband production is facilitated while providing a very robust construction of the device according to the present invention.

The upper ends of the external and internal panels of the pocket are interconnected by the seam 149 to separate the slit from the pocket.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the .edge, which engages a button 147 sewn to the internal face of the end of the part B of the waistband.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, leg 111a is inserted in a fold formed at the end 103 of the front part A of the Waistband. This fold is formed by stitching the ends 103 together as indicated at 103a. The other leg 11112 of the bridge element 111 is engaged in a fold formed by the end of the elastic strip 109. Around the fold of the strip 109 there may be fitted a metal sleeve .148 which ensures an improved grip of the elastic band 109 onto the leg 111i). This grip can be further reinforced by providing sharp circumferential helical edges on the leg portion 11111 which engage the elastic band 109.

The circular cross section of leg 111a is particularly adapted to allow the self-orientation of the bridge 111 under tension of the elastic band 10h (see FIG. 22) thus practically not increasing the thickness of the Waistband, and furthermore the wear of the fabric of the garment is thus avoided.

A further embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 giving a particularly well groomed appearance and in which elastic means of the waistband are practically invisible both externally and internally.

The constructions illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 is a modification of the construction shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Elastic band 107 is entirely concealed when not under tension by a cover part or panel 150 which is sewn to the internal face of part A of the waistband at 151 and 152. Only the hook 213 inserted on one of the eyelets 214 can be seen in this position on the elastic means.

The elastic band 169 of the elastic means is covered by a cover part or panel 153 fixed to the internal face of part B of the waistband by horizontal seam 154 which extends to the end of part 105 of the waistband and by the vertical seam 155. While the lower seam 154 extends horizontally over its whole length of the cover part 153 the upper seam 156 is interrupted at its median portion over a length L to form an opening or unstitched gap into which leg 111k of the bridge element 111 can be inserted.

Only hook 113 inserted in one of the eyelets 114 and only the top part of the bridge element 111 can be seen from the inside in this construction of the device of the present invention when the elastic means are not in tension.

It should, however, be understood that the elastic bands 107 and 109 could be constructed so as to be adjustable in their length in a manner shown in connection with the other embodiment of the present invention. Bridge element 111 could also be modified in various ways. For example, bridge element may be detachably secured to the waistband in order to facilitate cleaning and pressing of the garment.

The device according to the present invention provides an elastic waistband very little changing the appearance of the garment.

A waistband according to the present invention also provides greater comfort to the wearer of the garment. Furthermore the elastic extension and contraction of the elastic means is of an amount which gives greater comfort and allows greater expansion of the waist without losing the grip on the waist of the wearer when the Waist is contracted.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of garments differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in several forms of construction it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a garment having a slit, in combination, a waistband having a front band portion and a rear band portion, each of said band portions having an inner side and said front band portion having a free end and partially overlapping said rear band portion at the region of said slit so that said rear band portion comprises an overlapped section; an elastic band extending along the inner side of said front band portion, said elastic band having a first end connected to said rear band portion adjacent to said overlapped section and a second end connected to said front band portion so as to urge said rear band portion forwardly; a rigid bridge in the form of an inverted U straddling the rear band portion, said bridge having an outer leg connected with the free end of said front band portion and an inner leg located at the inner side of said rear band portion; and a second elastic band having a first end connected to the inner leg of said bridge and a second end connected to the inner side of said rear band portion for urging the front band porL'on rearwardly.

2. In a garment having a side slit, in combination, a waistband having a front band portion and a rear band portion, each of said band portions having an inner side and said front band portion having a free end and partially overlapping said rear band portion at the region of said slit so that said rear band portion comprises an overlapped section; an elastic band extending along the inner side of said front band portion, said elastic band having a first end connected to said rear band portion adjacent to said overlapped section and a second end connected to said front band portion so as to urge said rear band portion forwardly; a Wire metallic bridge of circular cross section straddling the rear band portion, said bridge having an outer leg connected with the free end of said front band portion and an inner leg located at the inner side of the rear band portion; and a second elastic band having a first end connected to the inner leg of said bridge and a second end connected to the inner side of said rear band portion for urging the front band portion rearwardly.

3. In a garment having a side slit, in combination, a waistband having a front band portion and a rear band portion, each of said band portions having an inner side and said front band portion having a free end and par tially overlapping said rear band portion at the region of the side slit of the garment so that said rear band portion comprises an overlapped section; an elastic band extending along the inner side of said front band portion, said elastic band having a first end connected to said rear band portion adjacent to said overlapped section and a second end connected to said front band portion so as to urge said rear band portion forwardly; a wire metallic bridge of circular cross section straddling the rear band portion, said bridge having an outer leg connected with the free end of said front band portion, and having an inner leg located at the inner side of the rear band portion; a second elastic band having a first end connected to the inner leg of said bridge and 'a second end connected to the inner side of said rear portion for urging the front band portion rearwardly; and a cover panel covering the elastic band which extends rearwardly from the inner leg of said bridge when the latter elastic band is in a position of rest, said cover panel extending along the inner side of the rear band portion, having a lower edge stitched to the rear band portion, and having an upper edge stitched to the rear band portion only at a pair of portions of the upper edge of the panel which are longitudinally spaced from each other to provide an unstitched gap through which the inner leg of the bridge extends to the space between the cover panel and the rear waistband portion.

4. In a garment having an elastically adjustable waist, in combination, a waist band having a pair of partially overlapping portions, one located at the exterior and the other located at the interior of said garment, each of said waist band portions having a free end; a rigid guide member fastened to the one portion of said waist band, in the region of the free end thereof and having an inner portion slidingly receiving the other portion of said waist band; and elastic band means located entirely in the interior of said garment and having ends respectively con nected to the other portion of said waist band at a point spaced from the free end of said other portion and to said inner portion of said. rigid member so as to pull the free ends of said waist band portions in opposite directions tending to increase the extent to which said portions overlap.

5. In a garment having an elastically adjustable waist, in combination, a waist band having a pair of partially overlapping portions, one located at the exterior and the other located at the interior of said garment, each of said waist band portions having a free end and an inner side; a rigid guide member fastened to the one portion of said waist band in the region of the free end of said one portion and having an inner portion slidingly receiving the other portion of said waist band; and a pair of elastic bands located entirely in the interior of said garment, one of said elastic bands having ends respectively connected to the free end of the other portion of said waist band and to the inner side of said one waist band portion at a point spaced from the free end of said one portion; and the other of said elastic bands having ends respectively connected to said inner portion of said rigid guide member and to the inner side of said other waist band portion at a point spaced from the free end of said other portion whereby said elastic bands pull the free ends of said waist band portions in opposite directions tending to increase the extent to which said portions overlap.

6. In a garment having an elastically adjustable waist, in combination, at waist band having a pair of partially overlapping portions, one located at the exterior and the other located at the interior of said garment, each of said waist band portions having a free end and an inner side; a rigid guide member fastened to the one portion of said waist band in the region of the free end of said one portion and having an inner portion slidingly receiving the other portion of said waist band; a pair of elastic bands located entirely in the interior of said garment, one of said elastic bands having a first end connected to the free end of the other portion of said Waist band and a second end; means provided at the second end of said one elastic band and at the inner side of said one Waist band portion for selectively attaching said second end to the one waist band portion at a plurality of points spaced from the free end of said one waist band portion, the other of said elastic bands having a first end connected to said inner portion of said rigid guide member and a second end; and means provided at the second end of said other elastic band and at the inner side of said other waist band portion for selectively attaching said last mentioned second end to said other waist band portion at a plurality of points spaced from the free end of said other waist band portion whereby said elastic bands pull the free ends of said waist band portions in opposite directions tending to increase the extent to which said portions overlap.

7. A combination as set forth in claim 6, wherein each of said attaching means comprises a hook fastened to the second end of the respective elastic band and a plurality of spaced eyelets provided at the inner side of the respective waist band portion.

v 8. A combination as defined in claim 4 in which said rigid guide member is substantially U-shaped and has a pair of leg portions and a connecting portion extending between said leg portions, one of said leg portions being attached to said one waist band portion with the connecting portion extending over said other waist band portion, the other leg portion having a free end comprising an extension projecting between said leg portions toward said connecting portion, and further including an elongated slide member flexible in the longitudinal direction thereof, said slide member attached to said other waist band portion, and having a lower edge portion slidably guided by said extension.

9. An arrangement as defined in claim 8 in which said elongated slide member comprises an upper edge portion which is attached to said other waist band portion.

10. An arrangement as defined in claim 8 in which said elongated slide member has spaced ends each of which is attached to said other waist band portion.

11. An arrangement as defined in claim 4 in which said rigid guide member is substantially U-shaped and has a pair of leg portions and a connecting portion extending between said leg portions, one of said leg portions being attached to said one waist band portion with the connecting portion extending over said other waist band portion, the other leg portion having a free end comprising a T-shaped extension directed toward said one leg portion, said other waist band portion having an elongated slot extending in the longitudinal direction of said waist band md said T-shaped extension projecting through said slot.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,233,136 Larson et a1. Feb. 25, 1941 2,345,242 Donovan Mar. 28, 1944 2,526,813 Fanning Oct. 24, 1950 2,721,330 Axler Oct. 25, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 450,848 Great Britain July 23, 1936 569,801 Great Britain June 8, 1945 

1. IN A GARMENT HAVING A SLIT, IN COMBINATION, A WAISTBAND HAVING A FRONT BAND PORTION AND A REAR BAND PORTION, EACH OF SAID BAND PORTIONS HAVING AN INNER SIDE AND SAID FRONT BAND PORTION HAVING A FREE END AND PARTIALLY OVERLAPPING SAID REAR BAND PORTION AT THE REGION OF SAID SLIT SO THAT SAID REAR BAND PORTION COMPRISES AN OVERLAPPED SECTION; AN ELASTIC BAND EXTENDING ALONG THE INNER SIDE OF SAID FRONT BAND PORTION, SAID ELASTIC BAND HAVING A FIRST END CONNECTED TO SAID REAR BAND PORTION ADJACENT TO SAID OVELAPPED SECTION AND A SECOND END CONNECTED TO SAID FRONT BAND PORTION SO AS TO URGE SAID REAR BAND PORTION FORWARDLY; A RIGID BRIDGE IN TTHE FORM OF AN INVERTED U STRADDLING THE REAR BAND PORTION, SAID BRIDGE HAVING AN OUTER LEG CONNECTED WITH THE FREE END OF SAID FRONT BAND PORTION AND AN INNER LEG LOCATED AT THE INNER SIDE OF SAID REAR BAND PORTION; AND A SECOND ELASTIC BAND HAVING A FIRST END CONNECTED TO THE INNER LEG OF SAID BRIDGE AND A SECOND END CONNECTED TO THE INNER SIDE OF SAID REAR BAND PORTION FOR URGING THE FRONT BAND PORTION REARWARDLY. 